ReStoried

Hosted by Hope Bridge/Adkins Media Co.

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Episodes

141

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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EN-US

About the show

What kind of stories come to mind when you think of foster care? Many stories are filled with heartbreak, pain, and sorrow. But what if we could step in and see them turned into stories of hope? Hope Bridge is on a gospel-led mission to transform the foster care landscape in Ohio. We're here to raise awareness and empower churches and communities to step into action by supporting vulnerable children and families in their local communities. We’re certainly not the Author of these stories, and it’s true that we can't change the past, but we are called to be key characters in THE story that God has written for His creation. His is a story of redemption and restoration, a story of HOPE. In this podcast, we will share how we link arms with churches, county workers, foster families, and those in the community to rewrite the narrative for vulnerable children and families. We’ll be shining a light on stories of hope, redemption, and transformation and sharing practical ways that you can step in and get involved. Subscribe now, and together, let's make a difference in the lives of those who need it most. Welcome to "ReStoried," a podcast by Hope Bridge.

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60 recent

August 17, 202632 min

140. Empty Nest to Full House with James Miller

What happens when you say yes to something God is calling you toward, even when it feels risky, inconvenient, or completely outside the life you imagined? In this episode of Restoried, James Miller shares his family’s unexpected journey into foster care and adoption. After raising four biological sons, James and his wife began exploring foster care in their early 40s. What started with a desire to help children eventually led them to foster several children and adopt four siblings. James speaks about both the joy and the heartache of foster care, the grief of reunification, the challenges of raising children with different needs, and the importance of finding community with other foster and adoptive families. He also shares how welcoming these children into their family changed his perspective on sacrifice and what truly matters in life. Most importantly, James encourages anyone considering foster care not to count themselves out. You're never too old, and you don't have to become a foster parent to make a difference. From respite care and babysitting to volunteering, providing tangible support, or simply coming alongside a foster family, there is a place for everyone to get involved. James's story is a reminder that sometimes saying yes can change not only a child's story, but yours, too. Episode Highlights: Foster Care Adoption The joys and challenges of foster care Finding community Learning selfless love Sacrifice with purpose You’re never too old Everyone can help Find More on Hope Bridge/Links from this Episode: In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day: How to Survive and Thrive When Opportunity Roars GentleBrook Visit Our Website Follow us on Instagram Follow us on Facebook Learn more about Hope for the Journey TBRI Training Learn more about Building Trauma-Informed Spaces with Kim Botto

June 29, 202617 min

139. Restoried Update: A Pause with Purpose

In this special mini episode, we share an important update about the future of Restoried. As Hope Bridge continues to grow, the team has been reflecting on how to ensure everything we do remains relational, intentional, missional, and prayerful. Those values have led to an important decision for the podcast. Rather than focusing on producing more content, the goal is to create space for stories that truly point people to Jesus and help rewrite the narrative for vulnerable children and families. To do that well, Restoried will be taking the month of July off as a season of rest, reflection, and prayer. The team hopes this break serves as an invitation for listeners as well—to slow down, spend time with the Lord, and evaluate the rhythms that shape daily life. Where might God be calling you to create more margin, listen more closely, and embrace intentionality this summer? Restoried will return in August with one thoughtfully crafted episode each month through the end of the year. This change allows the team to focus on quality over quantity, ensuring every episode is purposeful, gospel-centered, and rooted in Hope Bridge's mission of bringing hope, restoration, and support to vulnerable children and families. Thank you for being part of this community and we'll see you back in August! Find More on Hope Bridge: Visit Our Website Follow us on Instagram Follow us on Facebook Learn more about Hope for the Journey TBRI Training Learn more about Building Trauma-Informed Spaces with Kim Botto

June 22, 202635 min

138. Replay- Being a Part of The Team: A Conversation on How Foster Parents Can Support Reunification

In this episode, we dive into the crucial role foster families play in the reunification process. Our discussion aims to encourage foster families to embrace their part in the team effort required for successful reunification. We'll provide an overview of foster care, emphasizing why reunification is the primary goal despite common misconceptions. Many people struggle with the idea of children returning to their biological homes, but this is the cornerstone of foster care. Building relationships with caseworkers and biological families can seem daunting, yet it is essential for smoother, more effective reunification. These relationships not only improve outcomes for the children but also allow foster families to better advocate for the needs of both the children and their parents. We stress the importance of unity and shared goals among all parties involved, with the child's safety as the ultimate priority and reunification as the next. One frequent challenge for foster families is feeling excluded from the team, which can lead to misunderstandings with caseworkers. We'll explore strategies for foster families to strengthen their rapport with caseworkers and ensure their advocacy is seen as supportive rather than obstructive. Join us as we discuss how fostering collaboration and understanding can lead to better outcomes for everyone involved. Episode Highlights: June is National Reunification Month How Foster Parents Can Support Reunification Being a part of the team Being an advocate Ways to support reunification Find More on Hope Bridge: Family Registration Form Visit Our Website Follow us on Instagram Follow us on Facebook Learn more about Hope for the Journey TBRI Training Learn more about Building Trauma-Informed Spaces with Kim Botto

June 15, 20261 hr 15 min

137. Replay- From Foster Care to Family Reunited: Bethany and Jaliyah's Redemption Story

In this inspiring episode, we explore a powerful story of redemption through an interview with Bethany, a dedicated foster mom, and Jaliyah, the biological mother of Bethany's former foster children. Their journey has been marked by many challenges, but their unwavering commitment to each other has led to a heartwarming reunion. Jaliyah worked incredibly hard to regain custody of her children, showing immense dedication and perseverance throughout the process. Bethany's intentional effort to maintain a supportive relationship with Jaliyah played a crucial role in this family’s story. Her consistent presence and encouragement were vital in helping Jaliyah achieve her goal of reuniting with all her children. This episode underscores the significant impact that positive relationships between foster and biological families can have on the well-being of children. Tune in to hear how Bethany and Jaliyah’s shared dedication has paved the way for healing and togetherness, and learn why maintaining these connections, when safe, can be so beneficial for everyone involved. Episode Highlights: How Bethany Got Started in Foster Care Jaliyah’s Childhood & Upbringing Forming Relationships with Biological Families Going against the grain Reunification & Redemption Find More on Hope Bridge: Visit Our Website Follow us on Instagram Follow us on Facebook Learn more about Hope for the Journey TBRI Training Learn more about Building Trauma-Informed Spaces with Kim Botto

June 8, 202635 min

136. A New Name, A New Vision: Hope Bridge's Youth Empowerment Program with Larkyn Forchoine

In this episode of Restoried , we introduce our newest team member, Larkyn Forchione , the new Youth Empowerment Coordinator. Larkyn shares her journey as a single foster and adoptive mom, how God led her to Hope Bridge, and her passion for serving young people impacted by foster care. We also announce the transition from our former "Aged Out Youth Program" to the newly named Youth Empowerment Program . This change reflects our commitment to supporting youth and young adults impacted by the foster care system through individualized support, life-skills development, mentorship, healthy community, and faith-based encouragement. Join us as we discuss the vision behind the program, the needs facing system-impacted young adults, and how Hope Bridge is working to empower the next generation, one relationship at a time. Episode Highlights: Meet Larkyn Youth Empowerment Program Mentorship Foster Care Adoption Find More on Hope Bridge: Youth Empowerment Program Flyer Volunteer/Become a Mentor Visit Our Website Follow us on Instagram Follow us on Facebook Learn more about Hope for the Journey TBRI Training Learn more about Building Trauma-Informed Spaces with Kim Botto

June 1, 202637 min

135. God Is Good Even When Foster Care Is Hard with Shelly Mast

In this episode of Restoried, we are introduced to Shelly Mast, the newest county coordinator serving Holmes County and the surrounding area, and a longtime foster mom herself. Shelly shares her journey into foster care, which began in 2020 during the chaos of COVID, and how God used both the beauty and heartbreak of that season to shape her faith and calling. She opens up about the challenges of foster care, including medical needs, reunification, and the emotional weight of loving children through uncertain outcomes. Out of her experience, Shelly co-founded Project 1018 , focused on practical and relational support for foster families. Now, she brings that same heart into her work with Hope Bridge, helping churches and communities step into meaningful care for vulnerable children and families. This episode is a simple but powerful introduction to Shelly’s story, and the heart behind her work: showing up, staying faithful, and loving kids and families in the middle of hard stories. Episode Highlights: Meet Shelly Mast County Coordinator Foster Care Project 1018 Church Mobilization Community Find More on Hope Bridge: Project 1081 Visit Our Website Follow us on Instagram Follow us on Facebook Learn more about Hope for the Journey TBRI Training Learn more about Building Trauma-Informed Spaces with Kim Botto

May 25, 202636 min

134. Spiritual Formation: How Fasting Reorients Our Hearts to God

In this month’s spiritual formation conversation, we continue our series by reflecting on the practice of fasting and why it matters for our walk with Christ. Spiritual formation helps re-center our lives on Jesus when everything else competes for our attention. Fasting is more than just abstaining from food; it’s intentionally setting something aside to create space to seek God. Looking at Jesus in the wilderness, we see how fasting prepares us to depend on God rather than comfort, control, or distraction. Alesia shares her experience fasting from social media and how it reduced anxiety, comparison, and noise while increasing presence and attentiveness to God. Brian shares his experience of fasting during a season of medical testing, and how it became a reminder of God’s goodness and steadiness in uncertainty. Ultimately, fasting reveals what we rely on and invites us to re-center our lives on God. We encourage listeners to consider practicing fasting in some form this month as a way to step away from distractions and lean more fully into God’s presence. Episode Highlights: Spiritual Discipline Fasting Living Less Distracted Focusing on God Foster Care Crisis Find More on Hope Bridge: Visit Our Website Follow us on Instagram Follow us on Facebook Learn more about Hope for the Journey TBRI Training Learn more about Building Trauma-Informed Spaces with Kim Botto

May 18, 202633 min

133. Don’t Just Pray- Move: Faith with Feet in the Foster Care System

For Foster Care Awareness Month, we’re continuing our For the One series with one of our most honest and challenging conversations yet. In this episode, we wrestle with the tension between awareness and action. As believers, many of us know the foster care crisis exists. We’ve heard the statistics, seen the social media posts, and maybe even prayed for the children and families impacted by it. But at what point does “not everyone is called to foster” become less of a truth and more of a shield protecting our comfort, convenience, and fear? We also talk about the excuses we hear most often: “I’m too busy,” “I’m not equipped,” “What if it disrupts my family?”, and challenge listeners to honestly ask whether those barriers are rooted in wisdom… or fear and self-preservation. Because while not everyone may foster, some people absolutely are being called to step in, and are choosing not to because obedience feels costly. We unpack the reality that faith was never meant to stay comfortable. Jesus consistently moved toward brokenness, interruption, inconvenience, and vulnerable people. He didn’t just raise awareness, He stepped in. And if our faith never moves us toward vulnerable children, struggling families, or sacrificial love, we have to ask ourselves what kind of faith we’re actually living. This episode isn’t about shame. It’s about invitation. An invitation to stop looking away. To stop assuming someone else will do it. To ask God to break your heart for what breaks His, and to be willing to become part of the answer to your own prayers. Whether fostering feels impossible, intriguing, terrifying, or deeply stirring, our encouragement is simple: take one step. Learn. Ask questions. Show up. Move toward the brokenness instead of away from it. Because the foster care system doesn’t just need more awareness, it needs people willing to live out a faith that has feet. Episode Highlights: Foster Care Awareness Month Faith with Feet in the Foster Care System For the ONE Don’t Just Pray- MOVE Debunking Common Barriers Find More on Hope Bridge: Connect with a Hope Bridge Team Member Visit Our Website Follow us on Instagram Follow us on Facebook Learn more about Hope for the Journey TBRI Training Learn more about Building Trauma-Informed Spaces with Kim Botto

May 11, 202646 min

132. For the One: When Foster & Biological Moms Choose Each Other

In this really special episode for Foster Care Awareness Month, Nicole sits down with DiEmma, the biological mom of her three adopted kids—for an honest conversation about what it actually looks like to choose relationship in the middle of really hard things. What started over ten years ago in the middle of addiction, loss, and the foster care system has slowly grown into something neither of them expected, a relationship built on respect, compassion, and a shared love for the same kids. Together, they talk about the fears that can keep foster families from connecting with biological parents, and gently push back on the idea that it has to be “us vs. them.” From relapse to healing, boundaries to grace, it hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth it. DiEmma shares what it’s like from her side: not just as a biological mom, but as someone who was in foster care herself, and what it meant to feel supported instead of judged. Nicole talks about how important it is to stay grounded in who you are, choose empathy, and remember that loving a child means caring about where they came from, too. At the end of the day, this episode is a reminder that foster care isn’t about swooping in to save the day, it’s about showing up, again and again. It’s messy, it’s hard, but it’s also where real healing can happen. And when it’s safe and healthy, connection between foster and biological families can be one of the most powerful gifts we give kids. This is what “For the One” looks like in real life. Episode Highlights: Foster care awareness Bio family connection Standing in the gap Shared motherhood story Restoration is possible Find More on Hope Bridge: Chat with a Hope Bridge Staff Member Visit Our Website Follow us on Instagram Follow us on Facebook Learn more about Hope for the Journey TBRI Training Learn more about Building Trauma-Informed Spaces with Kim Botto

May 4, 202633 min

131. For the One: Seeing People Like Jesus Does

In this special episode of Restoried , we’re coming together as the four directors of HopeBridge to launch something that is deeply personal to us: our new campaign and heart posture, “For the One.” This conversation is really about what has been forming in us for a long time—how we see people, how we do ministry, and how we stay anchored in the middle of work that can often feel overwhelming in scale. We talk about how easy it is to slip into a “numbers mindset,” especially in the nonprofit and foster care world, where outcomes, stats, and impact reports often take center stage. But over and over again, we come back to this truth: our work has never been about reaching everyone at once—it’s about being faithful to the one person in front of us. One child. One mom. One family. And ultimately, the One who leads it all—Jesus. As we share, we reflect on how Jesus consistently modeled this for us in Scripture—stopping for the one, noticing the overlooked, and restoring individuals in deeply personal ways. That same heart is what we want to shape everything we do at HopeBridge: how we show up with churches, how we support foster families, how we care for single moms, and how we love each other as a team. At the core of this conversation is a shared conviction: we are not called to fix everything or everyone—we are called to faithfully respond to the one God places in front of us. And in doing so, we reflect the heart of Jesus, who sees, knows, and loves each of us fully. This episode is our way of launching the “For the One” campaign, but more than that, it’s an invitation—to slow down, to be present, and to believe that one act of obedience can carry eternal weight. Episode Highlights: Foster Care Awareness Month For the One Campaign Foster Care Adoption Faith Our Heart Posture at Hope Bridge Find More on Hope Bridge: Visit Our Website Follow us on Instagram Follow us on Facebook Learn more about Hope for the Journey TBRI Training Learn more about Building Trauma-Informed Spaces with Kim Botto